Dhaka, Aug 5 (IANS): India and Bangladesh are working to repatriate 14 Bangladeshi fishermen who were washed into Indian shores after a cyclone in 2007 and were then jailed.

Hailing from Pathorghata in southern Barguna district, the fishermen were in mid-sea when Cyclone Sidr hit them. They are reportedly in a jail in Orissa, The Daily Star said Thursday.

A message from the Indian High Commission here reached the Pathorghata police station Monday.

Over 300 fishermen from Barguna district are missing since Cyclone Sidr hit the coastal region Nov 15, 2007.

Families of the 14 fishermen are overjoyed as they had given them up for dead.

"I heard that my sons are alive and in Indian jail. I am praying to Allah for their return," said Rahima Begum, mother of Abbas and Delwar.

"We are very happy to hear that as our two sons are still alive," said Nokul Chandra, father of Monotosh and Nirmal.

Thousands perished in Bangladesh in Cyclone Sidr.